W. Va. Code §§ 24D-2-1 to 24D-2-10 § 24D-2-1
Legislative findings.
Operative Text
The Legislature finds and declares as follows: (a) Cable television has become an important medium of public communication and entertainment. (b) It is in the public interest to assure apartment residents and other tenants of leased residential dwellings access to cable television service of a quality and cost comparable to service available to residents living in personally owned dwellings. (c) It is in the public interest to afford apartment residents and other tenants of leased residential dwellings the opportunity to obtain cable television service of their choice and to prevent landlords from treating such residents and tenants as a captive market for the sale of television reception services selected or provided by the landlord.
West Virginia Code § 24D-2-1 sets out the Legislature's foundational policy goals for tenant cable access: that tenants in rental housing should have access to cable television on terms comparable to those available to homeowners, and that landlords should not be permitted to use their position to force tenants into accepting only the cable service the landlord selects. This provision does not itself create specific duties or rights but establishes the public-interest rationale underlying the rest of Chapter 24D, Article 2. It reflects a legislative judgment that cable television is an important communications medium deserving of equitable access across housing types.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under the policy framework established by § 24D-2-1, property owners and managers operating in West Virginia are expected to approach cable television access as a tenant right rather than a landlord-controlled amenity. Compliant operators generally avoid arrangements that restrict tenants to a single provider chosen by the landlord or that treat the tenant population as a captive market for television reception services. Understanding this foundational legislative intent helps operators align their cable-related lease terms and vendor agreements with the broader requirements that follow in Chapter 24D, Article 2.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 24D-2-1 of the West Virginia Code reflects the Legislature's explicit recognition that tenants in rental housing have a public-interest right to choose their own cable television service on fair terms. This provision signals that restrictions a landlord places on cable access — such as requiring tenants to use only a landlord-selected provider — run counter to the stated policy of the state. Tenants who believe their cable access rights are being limited may find it useful to review the full Chapter 24D, Article 2 framework and to consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with West Virginia housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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